2013 Land Rover Range Rover V8SC - $239,745EGC

It has been 40 years since the first Range Rover bowled onto the scene, bringing with it a combination of luxury, elegance and off-road performance never before seen in the world of four-wheel-drives.

Other manufacturers have since caught up; or, at least, anyone who wants to spend big on a luxo 4WD wagon has any number of choices. Range Rover may have diversified into smaller offerings since then, but its full-sized wagon not only soldiers on, it has been replaced a couple of times, culminating in the latest version released earlier this year.

Supercharged Range Rover

Lighter than before thanks to an all-aluminium body yet just as big and imposing as the outgoing model, the new Rangie has more space inside and, styling-wise, couldn't be mistaken for anything else. In terms of engine power and luxury the 5.0-litre supercharged V8 Autobiography model is top of the tree, and that's the one we've taken for a gallop.

What do you get?

Prices start at $168,900 for the V6 diesel HSE version which is serious money by any standards but there's also a 4.4-litre V8 diesel priced from about $195,000. Our top-of-the-range model is a cool $240,100 so what do you get for the money?

The Autobiography adds a plethora of other features including 22-inch alloy wheels, four-way climate control, a sliding panoramic sunroof, TV and DVD with headphones for all passengers, adaptive cruise control, leather roof lining, and 18-way powered front seats.

There's still room for an extensive options list so if you want blind spot detection, a digital radio, tie-down rails in the luggage compartment or even more leather you'll need to dust off the black Amex for another crack at the bank account.

However, it's not available with much of the crash avoidance and warning technology (auto braking, lane departure warning, etc) becoming more common at this end of the market.

What's inside?

Even with the air suspension on its lowest setting it's a fair climb into the Rangie's front seats, but once installed there's an excellent view over other traffic and the typically low window sills help further vision in all directions.

There's plenty of cabin width and armchair-style front seats so driver and passenger are well separated. Multi-adjustable seats and steering column mean any sized driver can get comfortable and the major instruments ? with projected circular dials rather than actual needles and markings ? are as clear and concise as needed.

Storage in the centre console isn't great: there's a couple of cup holders to throw a phone or sunglasses, as well as a central bin that doubles as a small fridge, and there are twin gloveboxes and double door pockets if you like opening lids.

Rear seat legroom is said to be improved by 118mm and while it doesn't look particularly roomy, the high seating position makes the most of what's available. Individual rear audio, climate and even powered seat recline controls make for a peculiar, high-riding limousine atmosphere.

Under the bonnet

It's unlikely many Greenpeace activists would opt for this kind of vehicle and 375 kilowatts of supercharged V8 seems unlikely to seal the deal. To be fair, tall gearing from the eight-speed automatic gearbox and improved aerodynamics can result in acceptable highway fuel consumption of about 10 litres per 100km and a decent range from the 105 litre tank.

You suspect most buyers would be more interested in performance, of which there is oodles. Plant the right foot and 2.3-tonnes of British metal surges forward with a growl from the exhaust and the faint whine of the supercharger from under the bonnet. Range Rover claims it'll hit 100km/h from standstill in 5.4 seconds, which sounds entirely believable, but expect fuel consumption closer to 20L/100km thus used.

Brute power is hardly rocket science, however, so what's perhaps more impressive is the drivetrain refinement of a smooth shifting automatic and bucketloads of pulling power from low revs that means in most driving conditions only a whiff of throttle is needed to get where you want in plenty of time with minimum fuss.

On the road

We've already mentioned this Range Rover's commanding driving position, and because it is backed by a superb ride quality from the air suspension there's an almost unique aura of floating above the road rather than mixing it with the ridges and potholes suffered by other road users. More than any amount of gadgets and leather, it's this isolation from the environment that marks the new Range Rover as an exceptional luxury car.

So while it doesn't feel remotely sporty, push a bit hard through corners and it reveals very little in the way of body roll, the massive tyres offer lots of grip and all-wheel-drive looks after traction. Dial up ?sport? mode and the throttle increases in sensitivity, the transmission holds gears and the light steering firms up as well.

This is an off-roader, of course, and one of the few of its ilk to offer low-range gears for serious bush bashing, although experience suggests the sizeable (and expensive) 22-inch tyres may not be as willing on rougher roads. Various modes controlling power delivery, throttle sensitivity and traction control modulation are accessible via a dial on the centre console, or it can be left in an auto mode for on road use.

Verdict

Luxury car, muscle machine and off-roader are rolled up into one package with this Range Rover yet instead of a compromise each persona is delivered with emphatic authority. Ride comfort, equipment levels, performance and even road holding are all there and it is difficult to think of a more satisfying car to drive.

You're expected to pay for the privilege of course, and few manufacturers ask for this kind of money for a large wagon. Presumably there are buyers willing to go the spend, and if they choose the full-Monty Range Rover they'll be unlikely to be disappointed. Just make sure you've got money in reserve to pay for the fuel.